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MON delighted with City slayers

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill watched his side serve up an extra special festive treat when they toppled reigning Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.

For the second season running a lone goal was enough to see off Roberto Mancini’s side, as former City man Adam Johnson came back to haunt his old club with a stunning strike in the 53rd minute.

Following the game, a delighted Martin O’Neill told safc.com: “The players were brilliant from start to finish.

“They were really up against it with Manchester City going with the strongest side that they could put out.

“We had to match that and we did.”

The players were brilliant from start to finish.

- Martin O'Neill

Sunderland turned in an impressive display against the title holders, with Stephane Sessegnon going close to adding to the Black Cats’ lead on a number of occasions, with top scorer Steven Fletcher also testing City’s resolve.

“We were committed and had some fantastic touches throughout the game,” the manager continued, “We could have scored more goals!

“Everybody worked incredibly hard for the team. Wingers coming back to help full-backs and then full-backs getting forward to cover, it was just brilliant.”

O’Neill also paid tribute to the bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Stadium of Light, who gave the players a standing ovation at the final whistle:

“Today the crowd were right behind us from the start and kept with us.” O’Neill added.